Graphic Violence Will Keep ‘Deadpool’ Out Of Chinese Cinemas

Graphic Violence Will Keep 'Deadpool' Out Of Chinese Cinemas

With some pop-up surprise screenings in New York and Los Angeles last night, early word, at least from fans, is that “Deadpool” delivers what you’d expect: filthy, furious fun. But one country’s censors aren’t ready roll with the Ryan Reynolds-powered quip-a-thon, and, in fact, won’t be showing the movie at all.

THR reports that censors in China have denied permission to “Deadpool” to screen in the country. Not even the power of the Marvel brand could thrust the movie into the country, with the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television frowning up on the film’s violence, language, and nudity. And while it’s common to recut films for the territory, doing so in the case of “Deadpool” would apparently make it incomprehensible, so 20th Century Fox are not going down that road.

How much of a dent China would’ve made on the global box office for the film is probably up for debate. But looking toward a similar Fox film from last year released around the same time, “Kingsman: The Secret Service” (another R-rated, violent, snarky movie), it hauled in a not-insignificant $74 million from the country. So execs are likely hoping they can make up that gap domestically.